2018 Ford Expedition Brakes Problems

I am submitting this complaint regarding potential safety issues with my 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I purchased the vehicle from Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola, Florida, and discovered several problems shortly after purchase that I believe may affect the vehicle's safe operation. Within days of purchasing the vehicle, it began displaying an intermittent **low oil pressure warning** while driving. Because a low oil pressure condition can lead to engine damage, loss of power, or engine failure, I believe this presents a potential safety concern. The dealership's inspection report completed before the sale states: **"Has multiple minor oil leaks, wet but not dripping yet."** I had the vehicle independently inspected by Firestone, which determined the oil leak was coming from the timing cover/timing case area and estimated approximately $3,000 in repairs. I am concerned that the documented oil leak and intermittent low oil pressure warning could increase the risk of engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. I have also experienced what I believe is a brake safety concern. Although the dealership's inspection report indicates the brakes and rotors had been serviced, the brake pedal feels unusually soft or spongy and requires more pedal travel and pressure than expected before the brakes engage. While the vehicle currently stops, I am concerned this condition could reduce braking performance or increase stopping distance. Additional issues include intermittent operation of the power running boards, a non-functioning rear window washer, and a detached rear window defroster electrical connection. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can determine whether these issues are isolated to my vehicle or may indicate a broader safety-related defect affecting other 2018 Ford Expedition vehicles. I can provide the dealership inspection report, Firestone inspection and repair estimate, photographs, and other supporting documentation upon request.

NHTSA ID

11752452

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

While parked on an incline, the truck's wheels disengaged and it rolled down backwards. The emergency brake was set. The vehicle has a known defect but the dealership will not expedite the repair.

NHTSA ID

11567536

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

No Brakes, Engine Racing, & ignition would not turn off, yes available for inspection at Seth Whatley Ford. Car crashed which was the only way it came to a stop, wheels were still turning when I got out of the car, if anyone one had been around they would have been hurt or killed. Towed to dealer, dealer was unable to find any evidence on their side. Insurance adjuster came out and assess the damage from crash. There was no warning lights or sensors that were working during this episode. Monday, March 27, 2023 at approximately 10am, I got into my Expedition to start my vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed as I pushed the button to start the car, and the engine was running smoothly. Foot was on the brake pedal when I put the car into reverse, the car shot out from the carport and engine was racing. I tried to pump the breaks and push the engine button, while guiding the car as it kept going faster and faster, until I hit a trailer that was attached to a truck. There was two witness that saw everything, that went on. I feel this car is DANGEROUS. If this had occurred when my family was around serious injuries could have occurred, or if I had been in a parking lot, there was no way to stop and I was not in control. Safety is the first issue. Special Note - I took my car in February 2022 for the recall.

NHTSA ID

11522130

Incident

Mar 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while in park and releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle rolled forward three to four feet and then stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Middleton Ford (7520 Century Ave, Middleton, WI 53562; 608-831-7725) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11505890

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

Mileage

99,000 mi

During a recent oil change at 14299 miles (04/28/2022), I was told that the rear brake pads were dangerously low and had to be replaced immediately. I previously had an oil change and inspection by the same dealership on 11/17/2021 (10986 miles) and 6/22/2021 at 8685 miles and the brakes were checked ok with no mention of any wear whatsoever. When I asked the service manager what could have caused such a rapid deterioration of the brake pads, I was given a shoulder shake and was told that they didn’t find a problem like calipers sticking and things just happen. This car new with only a couple hundred miles on it when we bought it from the same dealer. My concern is that, at this low mileage, I could have gone longer before I brought it in for an oil change and inspection and, if the pads were that bad, we could have been in a very serious accident. The dealership non-concern about the seriousness of the defect/problem is very concerning. The service facility was QuickLane at Jones Ford, 5757 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE USE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE PADS' RAPID DETERIORATION.

NHTSA ID

11463319

Incident

Apr 28, 2022

UNDER WARRANTY, MOISTURE WAS PRESENT IN ALL THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THE UPPER (THIRD) BRAKE LIGHT HAD THE MOST CONDENSATION. AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALER REVIEWED THE ISSUE AND ADVISED FORD DOES NOT COVER MOISTURE WITHIN A LIGHT AS THE MOISTURE WILL DISSIPATE OVER TIME. I ADVISED THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT WAS NEVER DRY, THEY INSISTED WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER THE ISSUE. I COULD REPLACE THE LIGHT, I RECEIVED A QUOTE AT THAT TIME. NOW THE UPPER BRAKE LIGHT HAS LESS THAN 2 LED'S WORKING AND THE VISIBILITY IS NEXT TO NOTHING. REVIEWING FORUMS, THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN PRESENT IN THE FORD EXPEDITIONS SINCE THE NEW VEHICLE DESIGN CHANGE. MY CONCERN IS VERY SIMPLE, THAT BRAKE LIGHT IS IMPORTANT IN THE SAFETY OF OUR PASSENGERS, THOSE AROUND THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ITSELF. WE HAVE NOT BEEN IN A REAR END COLLISION WITH THIS VEHICLE, BUT IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE BRAKING OF THIS VEHICLE AHEAD WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ONE CAR AHEAD OF YOU BASED ON WHAT I HAVE SEEN WHEN DRIVING BEHIND THIS VEHICLE MYSELF. I CONSIDER THIS BRAKE LIGHT A SIGNIFICANT COMPONENT OF THE SAFETY FEATURES IN OUR VEHICLE. TIMING OF THE ISSUE WAS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. FIRST PHASE WAS MOISTURE NOT DISSIPATING, SECOND PHASE HAS BEEN THE LED LIGHTING CONTINUES TO STOP WORKING, A FEW LED'S AT FIRST, NOW ONLY A FEW ARE OPERATIONAL, AND DIM AT BEST DUE TO THE CONTINUED MOISTURE IN THE UPPER REAR BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA ID

11399251

Incident

Jul 1, 2020

WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN ON A CITY STREET. TRIED TO STOP THE CAR. BREAKS WOULD NOT WORK AND JUST WENT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. VEHICLE SPED UP. JUMPED 2 CURBS AND HAD TO THROW THE CAR IN PARK IN ORDER TO STOP. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ID

11340103

Incident

Jul 15, 2020

Mileage

53,957 mi

EVEN THOUGH I HAVE PUT THE CAR IN PARK, IT STILL MOVES AND HAS HIT ME AND SOME OF THE PASSENGERS GETTING OUT THE CAR WITH THE DOORS AND OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST RUNNING US OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK ACCORDING TO DIAL. HOWEVER, IT STILL MOVED.

NHTSA ID

11255235

Incident

Sep 6, 2019

Mileage

15,000 mi

VEHICLE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE/RIM/CYLINDER HAS A POPPING SOUND. IT POPS AS IF THE CALIBER OR BRAKES HAVE SOMETHING BROKE OR DIRT IN IT. I CAN HEAR THIS WHEN DRIVING SLOW AND WHEN IN REVERSE BACKING UP. ONLY HEAR SOUND WHEN DRIVING. BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY COULD NOT FIND OR FIX THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11254873

Incident

Jan 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SPOUSE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 10-15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED BY EITHER DRIVERS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED SEVERAL TIMES AND WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL BROWN FORD LOCATED AT 32222 PLYMOUTH RD, LIVONIA, MI 48150, (734) 399-4244, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED IN THE FOUR MONTHS SINCE THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE HAD REMAINED AT THE DEALER DUE TO THE ABS MODULE AND SOFTWARE NOT BEING AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. CASE NUMBER: 21685353. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11219322

Incident

Feb 28, 2019

Mileage

10,000 mi

ELECTRONIC DIAL SHIFTER WILL AUTOMATICALLY SWITCH FROM DRIVE TO PARK IF THE VEHICLE START STOP BUTTON IS DEPRESSED WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING. THE PARKING BRAKE ALSO AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHES ON AT THE SAME TIME. CONSIDER WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A 2018 FORD EXPEDITION IS TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY IN TRAFFIC AND THE START STOP BUTTON WERE ACCIDENTALLY DEPRESSED. THE CAR WOULD SHIFT INTO PARK, THE PARKING BRAKE WOULD ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER WOULD DECELERATE RAPIDLY FROM 65 MPH TO A STOP WITH NO NOTICE, LIKELY BEING REAR ENDED BY TRAFFIC IE; A SEMI TRUCK AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTER SHOULD STAY IN THE SELECTED GEAR WHEN THE START STOP BUTTON IS DEPRESSED AS A CONVENTION SHIFTER WOULD, ELECTRIC OR MECHANICAL. I DETERMINED THIS AFTER GOING TO A CAR WASH, PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL THEN DEPRESSING THE STOP BUTTON TO SAVE FUEL. THE CARIMMEDIATELY SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL TO PARK AND ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE. I TESTED THE DRIVE, START BUTTON OFF, IMMEDIATELY SWITCHES TO PARK ON A FLAT STREET AT ZERO SPEED. I REALIZED AS AN ENGINEER THAT IF THIS HAPPENED AT SPEED A FATAL ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. FORD CAN REMOVE THIS RISK WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ELECTRONIC SHIFTING, LEAVING THE CAR IN THE SELECTED GEAR IF THE START STOP BUTTON IS DEPRESSED.

NHTSA ID

11165405

Incident

Jan 5, 2019

TODAY I EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE BRAKES ON MY 2018 FORD EXPEDITION EL. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT BUILD ANY PRESSURE WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. TO ANSWER THE SPECIFICS REQUESTED BY NHTSA, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT 45MPH OR LESS ON A CITY STREET AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE ONLY WAY TO BUILD BRAKE PRESSURE WAS TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND PUMP THE PEDAL. THIS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD AND FOR HOW MUCH FORD CHARGES FOR A LIMITED EDITION EXPEDITION YOU EXPECT TO NOT HAVE YOUR BRAKES FAIL. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, FORD! THANK GOD NOBODY WAS KILLED BY THIS MANUFACTURING FLAW.

NHTSA ID

11132898

Incident

Oct 2, 2018

Mileage

12,780 mi

PURCHASED NEW 2018 EXPEDITION FX4 XLT WOTH CLASS IV TOWING PACKAGE AND OTHER OPTIONS RELYING ON FORD, ITS DEALERS, AND FORD'S PR, THAT VEHICLE COULD TOW TRAILERS UP TO CERTAIN WEIGHT. BUT, ONCE WENT TO PURCHASE TRAVEL TRAILER TO TOW, DISCOVER THAT FINE PRINT HARD TO FIND FORD DISCLOSURE HAD FAR LOWER TOWING LIMITS UNLESS PURCHASE ADDITIONAL EXPENSIVE TOWING OPTIONS. ALSO, VEHICLE LACKS TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER THAT IS REQUIRED IN MANY PLACES BY LAW AND NECESSARY TO TOW ALMOST ANYTHING SAFELY. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT BUYERS WILL NOT KNOW THE FOREGOING AND TOW RESULTING IN DANGEROUS RISKS AND POTENTIAL THIRD PERSON INJURIES/DEATHS IN CRASHES INVOLVING THE TOWING OF HEAVY TRAILERS WITH NO BRAKE CONTROLLERS.

NHTSA ID

11118957

Incident

Jul 31, 2018